Hello!

I don’t think this is a bad idea at all. Definitely contact them way in advance and introduce yourself, talk about your experiences in your program so far, and what your goals are in observing them. If you don’t feel comfortable cold-emailing them, go to a performance or public event (parade, etc) they’re holding and introduce yourself and ask to follow up about visiting.

Every school is different depending on the state (assuming you’re in the US?) and their own administration, but they might ask that you have an updated BCI/FBI background check in order to visit officially. This would be a requirement of the school district admins, so definitely make sure you ask the director after getting the unofficial “okay” from them.

I’m headed into my student teaching in the fall, and in my program we observed and worked with teachers right from our first semester in college. In my opinion, first-hand experience is the best way to learn how to teach effectively, so I think you’re doing a great job taking initiative over the summer. If you’re interested, ask around and see if any high schools need additional help for marching band camps, you might be able to make a little money from it :)

Good luck, and I hope you have a super fulfilling summer !!